Fischer Selected to 2012 USA Softball Women's National TeamFollowing the three-day tryout camp in Ashland, Ohio, LMU's Sam Fischer has been named to the final roster for the 2012 USA Softball Women's National Team.

ASHLAND, Ohio - Following the three-day tryout camp in Ashland, Ohio, LMU's Sam Fischer has been named to the final roster for the 2012 USA Softball Women's National Team, the Amateur Softball Association (ASA) of America announced Wednesday. In January, 12 athletes were named to the National Team and this week, 20 additional players attended the USA Softball Women's National Team selection camp, competing for the final five spots on the roster.

The remaining athletes who were not selected to the Women's National Team will make up the 2012 USA Softball Women's Elite National Team and will face the National Team in a series of exhibition games over the course of the next six days in Summersville, W.Va. (June 14) and Ashland, Ohio (June 18).

The USA Women's National team will compete in six different events in the United States and Canada. Fans in the United States will get four opportunities to see the team in action with two exhibition stops scheduled as well as the Title IX 40th Anniversary Celebration Game against Canada on June 23 and the World Cup of Softball VII presented by Lumber Liquidators, June 27- July 2, in Oklahoma City. For ticket information on the Title IX Game and World Cup VII as well as the tour stops in Summersville, W. Va., and Ashland, Ohio, click here.

Following the World Cup, the Women's National Team is slated to compete July 4-9 at the Canadian Open Fast Pitch International Championship in Surrey, B.C., Canada, and July 13-22 at the International Softball Federation (ISF) Women's World Championship in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada.

Fischer has made 2012 a year of firsts for the Lion softball program as she earned the first-ever All-America honor for the program, was the first player to earn an invitation to try out for the National Team and is now the first player to don both LMU crimson and blue and USA red and blue.

"Camp went well," Fischer said. "We did defensive drills and batting practice the first day. Then the next two days we played games. I faced eight different pitchers and went 4-for-8 with two doubles, a triple and a two-RBI single. In the field I played short and was involved in a lot of plays.

"When Coach (Ken) Eriksen called us each in individually, I was so nervous because I knew I had done pretty well at the camp but had no idea what was going to happen," Fischer said of being told she had made the team. "He started talking to me about travel ball and school and kind of beat around the bush for a minute until he finally said, `Well Sam, you're a member of the United States National Softball Team.' I have never been so exited in my life. It is something I've been working towards since I was a kid and to be lucky enough to live out this dream - I feel like I'm on top of the world."

The Simi Valley, Calif., native finished the year leading all NCAA Division I players with her .492 batting average. She finished the 2012 season also leading the nation in on-base percentage (.665) while also ranking second in both walks per game (1.15) and slugging percentage (1.156), third in runs per game (1.21) and fourth in home runs (23).

Along with her .492 average, Fischer also totaled 23 home runs and 59 RBIs - setting new Pacific Coast Softball Conference and LMU single-season marks for batting average and home runs and tying the single-season RBI record. She earned her second PCSC Coastal Division Player of the Year honor and was one the lone unanimous selection to the 2012 All-PCSC Coastal Division first team - her fourth consecutive first team honor. She was also most recently named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-West Region second team - the first such honor in her four-year career.

Fischer finished her career setting nine PCSC and LMU career records, sitting atop the career charts for batting average (.387); home runs (65); doubles (51); RBI (172); runs scored (184); total bases (494); slugging percentage (.784); on-base average (.494); and walks (127). She also finished third on the PCSC and LMU career hit lists with 244.

LMUFan - You backed a winner, but acknowledge that she had earned her own spot long before tryouts, and merely solidified it during tryouts. Obviously a great one !!! You Go Fischer - USA. Frank__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Originally Posted by JoiseyGuyLMUFan - You backed a winner, but acknowledge that she had earned her own spot long before tryouts, and merely solidified it during tryouts. Obviously a great one !!! You Go Fischer - USA. Frank

Frank,

Absolutely correct. It's one thing to lead the country in hitting with a .500 average at a mid-major school, but it's another thing to bat against National team pitchers during tryouts and bat also .500. She's very relaxed, confident and consistent.

LMUFAN - She was picked out as very special a long time ago. Her "tryout" simply verified what was already known. This is not an average player. Nuff said !! She will shine on the National Team. Frank__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Charlie - I have never seen Sam Fischer play, but I hear that she is special. I can't wait till tonight at 7PM on ESPN when I see her and the rest of the International Team play against Canada. Coach Eriksen noted that there were a few rough spots in terms of the team to be ironed out. Let's see how that worked out. Since softball was removed from the Olympics, this type tour is what we fastpitch softball lovers have to look forward to. Thus far, Jackie Traina of Alabama fame and a Florida native has been a stalwart in the circle. As you know, she recently led Alabama to the National Championship in D1 Softball. Frank

PS - Do you happen to know who Sam Fischer's hitting coach is? She has excellent technique according to those softball folks who have seen her play.

__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Patrick - Sam is as advertised. I also liked her work at short, excellent range and a great gun, excellent athleticism. I also was impressed by the 17 year old lefty thrower from Canada. Washington got a good one - excellent long term potential. Frank__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Hammer -- Tch, tch !! You are easily bored. There was much to enjoy in that game for anyone who was mentally interactive with the performances. Frank__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Originally Posted by JoiseyGuyPatrick - Sam is as advertised. I also liked her work at short, excellent range and a great gun, excellent athleticism. I also was impressed by the 17 year old lefty thrower from Canada. Washington got a good one - excellent long term potential. Frank

She is Frank. This is the year of the Fischer!

I was impressed by the Canadian Lefty as well Frank. She looked like she threw pretty hard. I had a hard time trying to determine the plate umpires strike zone. What did you think?

Pat - I thought that the plate umpire's strike zone changed from inning to inning, especially in calling corners on moving pitches, but that Taylor adjusted well by going low and biting more of the plate on both her curve and screwball (she had to go primarily east and west to get strikes). The umpire took away the rise ball from the pitchers (the lefty has a dynamite hard rise if she learns to put it somewhere near the strike zone). Nothing from the waist up was a strike. One other comment - the pitch that Sam hit out jammed her and she still got her hands inside the ball and kept the ball fair. I know more than to judge anyone by one at bat, but that is excellent technique coupled with sheer talent. Frank

PS - I've heard of the Fisher King, but I didn't know that there was a Fischer Queen. She looks terrific. Can she run?? I'd like the pleasure of seeing her play over an entire season. I can see why "you guys" are excited by her play.

__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Originally Posted by JoiseyGuyPatrick - Sam is as advertised. I also liked her work at short, excellent range and a great gun, excellent athleticism. I also was impressed by the 17 year old lefty thrower from Canada. Washington got a good one - excellent long term potential. Frank

Frank, while I've said a lot about Sam over the years I've tried to understate it. The thing you notice about her is that she doesn't get nervous and rattled. And that's why she can hit a home run her first appearance on TV.

I've said it before that while she's a good hitter, she's the best defensive shortstop I've ever seen. I'm glad that others get a chance to see what could only be seen in person before today.

Sam the Hammer - To be honest, my friend, you sound like a girlfriend I once had. I asked her to attend an opera with me, and she said, "Naw, I already seen one". You are seeing and analyzing end only and ignoring process. Frank

PS - I too noticed the empty seats down the left and right field lines. My only answer to that is that collegiate loyalties are now stronger than national loyalties (in numbers) since the Olympics are a thing of the past. Sad reality. International Softball does not get the "hoopla" that the Olympics did.

__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

LMUFan - I do understand what you are saying, and I think that time will do nothing but bring plaudits from those knowledgeable softball people who see Sam Fischer play. She will be compared favorably with the all time best, and will eventually be the icon to whom others will be compared at her position. She has that kind of potential in my eyes. I absolutely understand the mental aspect to which you refer. All the great ones have it (it's called "presence"). It is the confidence that requires no bravado nor hubris. Think Joe DiMaggio or Willie Mays or Joan Joyce (make your own list). Frank

PS - My own list includes Bob Gibson and Tom Seaver. Both dared mightily, were excellent technicians, didn't need to "dance in the end zone", and brought their lunch pail to every outing. High praise to be included with potential to be considered with such as these.

__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

While we (include me) are getting carried away about a child who has one at bat thus far in international competition, we must keep in mind the admonition of ol' Darryl Royal the old Texas football coach who when told that his team had fantastic potential replied, "Po-tential, po-tential?? That means you aint done nothin yet, right?". Frank

PS - I still think the kid has the goods to be a great one - only time will tell.

__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Originally Posted by JoiseyGuyWhile we (include me) are getting carried away about a child who has one at bat thus far in international competition, we must keep in mind the admonition of ol' Darryl Royal the old Texas football coach who when told that his team had fantastic potential replied, "Po-tential, po-tential?? That means you aint done nothin yet, right?". Frank

PS - I still think the kid has the goods to be a great one - only time will tell.

Frank,

I've seen Sam play about 900 innings in the last 4 years. I've seen her hit dozens of home runs against all kinds of pitching. What you call potential, I call kinetic.

Charlie - Stop using those big words about energy and listen to Darryl Royal. It's a different level of softball she's in now, and I agree that she's special, but before we anoint her the second coming, let's give the kid a chance to prove what we believe to be true. In my opinion the kid will earn her laurels on the international level and will become a household name in softball circles internationally. Time will tell. Frank__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Charlie - Yes, we can almost taste the sweetness, but it's HER icing. Frank__________________"Freethinkers are those who are willing to use their minds without prejudice and without fearing to understand things that clash with their own customs, privileges, or beliefs. This state of mind is not common, but it is essential for right thinking. Where it is absent discussion is apt to become worse than useless." Leo Tolstoy

"Do not try to teach pigs to sing. It will frustrate you and infuriate the pigs who will unite in anger against you, and you will never achieve singing your song". Dr. Petersen

Let me start by chiming in on Sam Fischer. I freely admit bias. She and her family are great friends, and she was my daughter's roommate 2 of the LMU years. And she can play. Nothing she is doing now is surprising or beyond expectation. Fantastic hitter, and she plays SS like a guy. I don't know how to pay a higher compliment. . . .

As for "potential." An overused word in our culture, and particularly in sports.

I think I heard that same word applied to another great, (Albert Pujols), in a recent commercial but they pronounced it... "in tu le che".

__________________President Obama kept Republicans out of the White House for 8 years and added two excellent justices to the Supreme Court. Those two things alone make him one of our greatest Presidents of my lifetime.

Let me start by chiming in on Sam Fischer. I freely admit bias. She and her family are great friends, and she was my daughter's roommate 2 of the LMU years. And she can play. Nothing she is doing now is surprising or beyond expectation. Fantastic hitter, and she plays SS like a guy. I don't know how to pay a higher compliment. . . .

As for "potential." An overused word in our culture, and particularly in sports.

As for "potential." An overused word in our culture, and particularly in sports.

Another word you NEVER hear - and there's a reason - is "entelechy."

It means potential that has been realized.

Something to think about, that word being as uncommon as it is.

Best regards,

Scott

You are easily one of the smartest guys I know.

Yeah, but he can't spell sarge. __________________President Obama kept Republicans out of the White House for 8 years and added two excellent justices to the Supreme Court. Those two things alone make him one of our greatest Presidents of my lifetime.

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